5/12/2009

Dorset League Division 2

Stickland Utd 1  Sturminster Marshall Res 6

After returning to the top of the league last week, the first of 3 consecutive away fixtures saw them travel to Stickland.

The day didn’t get off to the best start as the reserves lost the influential Jones to the first team and Fozzy decided to name Steve Johnston at right midfield, even though he had previously highlighted his unavailability for this week’s fixture. A re-shuffle of the side on the way to Stickland saw several changes, including Jack Geddes starting a game he had no intention of being involved in due to illness, Ciaran Miller being pushed to a more advanced role on the right side of midfield, with Aaron Simkins being promoted from the youth team into the starting line-up alongside Luke Geddes up front.

As always the Reserves started brilliantly with plenty of movement and the ball being played around the pitch with purpose from the first whistle. It was clear the centre midfield pairing of Dave and Erkan were really up for the fixture, as they hassled constantly for the ball and really dominated the midfield.

Stur’s bright start paid off early on as Hall released Luke Geddes through on goal, only for the advancing keeper to save his effort but Aaron Simkins made no mistake with the rebound. The hot prospect finishing his first opportunity of the game to put Stur one up.

The reserve side continued to pile on the pressure, backed up by some sturdy defending with skipper Lambert leading the way. It wasn’t long before Stur extended their lead. This time Miller found space on the right to cross and Johnston applied the finish. 

In recent weeks the early pressure has faded out but with a fresh look to the Stur line-up and a few points to be proven, the reserves seemed determined to put on a real show. Erkan seemed to roll back the years as he was winning the ball all over the park and completely dominating the midfield with pin point accuracy in his passing. Anyone would think the Reserves had made a new signing and bought in Turkish leg-end Tugay….. Well not quite!!!

After several chances, including Johnston and Rudd both hitting the woodwork from distance, along came goal number 3. This time it was Simkins who advanced into the Stickland area only to have his shot saved but Rudd was on hand to turn in the rebound.

The first half ended 3-0 but this could have at least been doubled with a tremendous first half performance.

The second half got underway with more of the same being ordered from the management.

Stur picked up where they left of as a clever one-two between Ciaran and Erkan saw Ciaran fire a left footed volley from distance………………………………….. with Luke Geddes on hand to poke home as the keeper spilt the initial effort. Apologies for the long pause but I thought it was best to give everyone the opportunity to let it sink in that Ciaran does actually have a left foot!!

That seemed to be the killer blow for the home side although they did manage to pull one back. The left back for Stickland managed to appear on the right flank and fire home as he was completely unmarked. A little wake up call for the Stur rearguard!!

On came Logan for the impressive Simkins around the hour mark.

Next came the miracle and I will have to recommend you take a seat for the next few lines……..

Stur again broke down the left hand side as Erkan released Ryan Hall into the Stickland area and the left back showed real composure as he slotted past the advancing keeper to make it 5-1. I would like to say the miracle ended there but I would be lying. Hall managed to pick up his second goal of the game as some scrappy defending saw the home keeper stranded and Hall managed to perfectly pick out the top right corner from the edge of the Stickland area to put the game out of sight.

With 10 minutes to go the game took a turn for the worse. To everyone’s disbelief Stur were making a second sub. Foster appeared from the dug out stripped and raring to go. Not only was he coming on for his first appearance this season…… he was putting himself up font in place of the outstanding Luke Geddes. Had there been a crowd there for Stur, the change surely would have been met with a chorus of boos but all was not lost. The ten minutes flew by and luckily Foster got nowhere near the ball!!

An awesome all round performance which sees Stur extend their lead at the top to 3 points as the teams around us slipped up. Well done lads!!!